Portable device for capturing and collecting liquids and other particles dripping off of a stationary vehicle

ABSTRACT

A portable device for capturing liquids and other particles dripping or otherwise falling off of a stationary vehicle and preventing said liquids and particles from overflowing or escaping onto parking surfaces and causing damages to said parking surfaces and surrounding areas and structures.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/839,326, filed Jun. 25, 2013

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns generally with surface mats and other surface-covering devices, and, more particularly, with a flexible and portable device for capturing liquids and other particles dripping or otherwise falling off of a stationary vehicle and preventing said liquids and particles from overflowing or escaping onto surrounding parking surfaces. By placing the device under the vehicle, the device serves the purpose of collecting liquids and particles that are melting, dripping, or otherwise falling off of the vehicle; thus, allowing proper disposal of the liquids and particles and avoiding damages to the parking surfaces and surrounding areas and structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snow, road salt, water, petroleum products, dirt, sand, and other particles are routinely accumulated under the fenders and along the carriage of a moving vehicle. Some of these debris remain attached to the beneath of the vehicle until it becomes stationary or parked, at which point snow and slush start to melt; the resulting mass mixes up with salt, petroleum products and other particles accumulated on the vehicle and drips or otherwise falls off onto the parking surface. In warmer areas, condensate from the automobile climate control system also drips off of the vehicle.

This mix of reagents dripping and accumulating onto the parking surfaces damages the surfaces and the surrounding structures. Since parking areas have generally flat surfaces and lack adequate drainage, the liquids and debris dripped or fallen off of the vehicle tend to remain in a prolonged contact with the parking surfaces; thus, amplifying the damage. At the same time, the liquids dripped off onto inclined surfaces or onto the parking areas equipped with adequate drainage not only damage the surfaces themselves, but may also harm surrounding structures and create serious environmental hazards.

One logical approach to addressing this issue lies in creating a mat-based device that would allow the vehicle to be driven and stationed over the device. The device must be able to sustain a prolonged contact with various reagents and salt, and its size should be sufficiently large to extend beyond the dimensions of the vehicle and to collect all possible amounts of snow and dirt the vehicle may accumulate. The device must have stiff sidewalls to ensure that the perimeter of the device retains its thickness when the vehicle is placed onto the device. A tap may be attached to the device, usually, but not necessarily, at the lowest point of the parking area; thus, allowing the liquids to flow out. In addition, the device must be easily transportable, portable, and manufactured in “one piece”, such that it may be rolled on and off without difficulties.

In recent years, multiple solutions have been developed directed at creating such devices. A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.

The invention described in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,876 (the '876 patent) details a floor protector for a garage floor or the like that is formed as a unitary, monolithic sheet for placement in the parking area of a motor vehicle. The protector includes left and right inwardly sloping lateral surfaces, with a longitudinal channel or trough extending down the center of the device. The runoff is guided to the rear center of the device where it is removed from the protector. Although directed to the field of the present invention, the '876 patent lacks certain major advantages of the present invention. The device of the '876 is bulky, not portable and not easily movable. It consists of two inflexible ramps that cannot be placed on an uneven parking surface, and unlike the present invention the invention of the '876 patent cannot be rolled on and off. Moreover, the height of the device reduces its appeal for use in a typical household garage, where every inch of the vertical space is thoroughly utilized. And lastly, the area where runoff reagents are accumulated is fixed to the center and back of the device, which may not be the lowest point of the parking surface; thus, making the extraction of the runoff unnecessarily difficult.

Although the concept of a portable device adapted for use underneath of a motor vehicle offered by the present invention is novel, the concept of a drip tray adapted for the same purposes has been mentioned in earlier patents and patent publications. For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 2,990,033 (the '033 patent) describes a drip tray or the like manufactured from relatively soft and sticky material. The main object of the '033 patent is to offer a disposable tray secured to the garage floor that can be thrown away when it becomes soiled. Unlike the present invention, the invention of the '033 patent cannot be easily transported or stored, and it cannot be rolled in or out. It also lacks a mechanism for managing runoffs or “by feel” parking.

A car rump and a drip pan assembly are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,982 (the '982 patent). The '982 patent is directed at a device for placement under parked vehicles to catch fluid drippings. It includes a rectangular tray for catching the drippings, a pair of elongated racks positioned in the tray parallel to the sides of the tray and upon which the vehicle is driven; thus, spacing the vehicle wheels above the bottom of the tray so that the wheels do not touch the drippings, and a ramp connected to the entrance edge of the tray enabling easy entry of a vehicle onto the racks. The tray perimeter is formed of a continuous upstanding flange to contain the drippings within the tray. As the tire ramps extend laterally to the perimeter of the device, it appears that the sides of the vehicle would extend beyond the assembly to drip onto the floor or surface beyond the edge of the assembly. Also, the '982 patent provides a raised portion of his ramp extending completely across the rear or front of the parked vehicle; thus, preventing liquid collections from that end. Instead, the '982 patent provides a small drain at the forward end of the ramp assembly. This defeats the purpose of using this device in a garage. Moreover, the device of the '982 patent is rigid and cannot be installed on uneven surfaces, assembled or remove as easily as the present invention, and unlike the present invention it cannot be rolled in or out.

A wheel positioning garage mat is described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,378 (the '378 patent). It is directed at a relatively small mat having a wheel chock formed at each end thereof. The objective of the '378 patent is to position the vehicle accurately “by feel” when parking, and no liquid capture is disclosed by it.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,670 (the '670 patent) describes a relatively thin and flexible vinyl sheet having elongate pockets formed along each edge. A section of rubber hose or the like is inserted into each pocket, to provide a raised edge. The sole advantage of '670 patent appears to be its extreme simplicity and very inexpensive construction; however, the simple construction of the '670 patent lacks any mechanism for preventing the device from being damaged by a vehicle driven over it. Moreover, '670 patent fails to provide any drainage means for its floor cover, thus making it extremely difficult to dispose of any runoff collected in the device.

Modular floor cover is described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,933 (the '933 patent). It is directed at a relatively thin, flat, rubber mat material, which is assembled from a plurality of sections by cooperating connector components, which engage the ribs of the mat material. The above described construction does not provide for a receptacle; thus, offering no means for collecting runoffs or any form drainage.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,625 (the '625 patent) is directed at a vehicle drip mat comprising a block of elastomeric material in a rectangular configuration. The most notable feature of the '625 patent are the metal rods extending upward and designed to help the driver to position the vehicle without damaging the device. This feature appears to be overrated as it will not prevent an unscrupulous driver from damaging the mat. In addition, and unlike the present invention, the device described in the '625 patent cannot be rolled in and out and does not provide for drainage.

And finally, there is the U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,769 (the '769 patent) offering a receptacle for the collection of fluids. The receptacle includes a frame with an opening defined between a pair of sidewalls and the front and rear walls supported by the frame. The receptacle also includes a lower grate, a sorbent pad and an upper grate, all of which is received in the basin of the frame. The sorbent pad sandwiched between the upper and lower grate is prevented from moving and kept substantially flat, such that the sorbent pad may cover the entire opening. The sorbent pad has properties that absorb various petroleum-based fluids while at the same time allowing water-based fluids to drain or seep through. The water may thereafter drain out of the frame through drain holes provided along the sidewalls or through the opening. Unlike the present invention, the '769 patent does not provide for accumulation of non-petroleum products, does not have a parking chocks assembly preventing damages to the device by vehicles running over it, and it is not a “one piece” device that can be easily rolled in and out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the general object of the present invention to avoid and overcome the foregoing and other difficulties of and objections to prior art practices by the provision of a portable device for capturing liquids and other particles dripping or otherwise falling off of a stationary vehicle, and preventing said liquids and particles from overflowing or escaping onto surrounding parking surfaces and the like, and characterized by its lightweight one-piece design, its flexibility, simplicity of rolling on and off, transporting and storing.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device that when placed underneath of a stationary vehicle is capable of accumulating and sustaining a prolonged contact with melted snow, salt, petroleum products as well as other runoff reagents.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device equipped with sidewall stiffers to ensure that the perimeter walls, or sidewalls, of the device retain their thickness while the upper surface of the device is depressed by the wheels of the vehicle placed on it; thus, forming a tray capable of collecting the runoff reagents.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device equipped with a parking chocks assembly that prevents the device from being damaged by a vehicle driven over it on and allows positioning the vehicle accurately when parking “by feel”.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device equipped with a tap that may be placed anywhere in the device, usually, but not necessarily, at the lowest point of the parking area; thus, allowing the liquids to be drained out of the device.

A further object of this invention is to provide a “one piece” device that is easily transportable, storable, and capable of being rolled on and off without undue efforts.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device that is simple in construction, easy to manufacture, and highly effective in operation.

Briefly, the foregoing objects are accomplished by the provision of a portable device for capturing liquids or other particles dripping or otherwise falling off of a stationary vehicle and preventing said liquids and particles from overflowing onto parking surfaces and the like, and characterized by its lightweight one-piece design, its flexibility and simplicity of rolling on and off. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein.

The device is preferably formed of a rubber-like flexible and elastic material and includes a rectangular mat for catching the drippings, said mat having a parking chocks assembly positioned in at the raised front edge of the mat. In some exemplary embodiments the parking chocks assembly comprises a pocket affixed to the raised front edge of the mat with rounded inserts forming a bump; thus, enabling easy entry of the vehicle onto the mat, preventing the vehicle to roll off of the mat, and avoiding damages to the mat when the vehicle is driven over it at excessive speeds. The parking chocks assembly also forms a front sidewall so that the collected liquids or particles do not escape over the front edge of the mat. The other three sidewalls of the mat are equipped with stiffers or studs, such as that the sidewalls retain their thickness even when the vehicle is placed onto the device. With the vehicle placed onto the device, the tires of the vehicle depress the inner area of the upper surface of the mat, thus, forming a tray-like receptacle capable of collecting liquids and dry particles falling of the vehicle. The mat is constructed of material capable of sustaining a prolonged contact with the collected liquids and particles, and the size of the mat is sufficiently large such that it extends beyond the dimensions of the vehicle. In some exemplary embodiments a tap is attached to the device, usually, but not necessarily, at the lowest point of the parking area; thus, allowing the liquids to be drained out of the device. In addition, the device is easily transportable and storable, manufactured in “one piece” and may be rolled in and out without difficulties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A shows a top view of the device;

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the device;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the device;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the devices with a vehicle parked over it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a detailed description of the invention provided to aid those skilled in the art in practicing in the field of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art may make modifications and variations in the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. All publications, patent applications, patents, figures and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention is directed at a portable device for capturing liquids and other particles dripping or otherwise falling off of a stationary vehicle, and preventing said liquids and particles from overflowing or otherwise escaping onto surrounding parking surfaces. By positioning the vehicle over the device, the device serves a purpose of collecting the liquids and particles that are melting, dripping, or otherwise falling off of the vehicle; thus, allowing proper disposal of the liquids and debris and avoiding damages to the surrounding parking surfaces and structures.

A top view of one exemplary embodiment of said portable device for capturing liquids and other particles dripping or otherwise falling off of a stationary vehicle is shown in FIG. 1A. The device is preferably formed of a rubber-like flexible and elastic material and includes a rectangular unitary monolithic mat 100 for catching the drippings and falling particles. The size of the mat depends on the size of the vehicle it serves; therefore, it may be produced in different sizes sufficiently large such that it extends beyond the dimensions of the vehicle and capable of collecting the amount of debris the vehicle is expected to accumulate. In some exemplary embodiments, the mat is between 190 and 275 inches long, and from 78 to 157 inches wide.

In some exemplary embodiments, it is manufactured from elastic rubber-like material between 1 and 1.5 inches thick and capable of sustaining a prolonged contact with the collected liquids and particles.

Further referring to FIG. 1A, in some exemplary embodiments the parking chocks assembly section 110 may be positioned in front of the mat. It is designed for enabling easy entry of the vehicle onto the mat, preventing the vehicle from rolling off of the mat, and avoiding damages to the mat by the vehicle driven over it at excessive speeds. In some exemplary embodiments the parking chocks assembly is affixed to the raised front edge of the mat by mechanical means and is manufactured from a wide variety of materials, such as hard plastic, aluminum; wood or the like. In other exemplary embodiments the parking chocks assembly forms a pocket attached to the mat and filled with rounded inserts 120 made from hard plastic, aluminum; hardwood or the like. In some embodiments the inserts are 10-12 inches wide. In all embodiments the parking chocks assembly forms a sidewall in the front of the raised front edge of the mat, so that the collected liquids or particles do not escape over said front edge.

The remaining three sidewalls of the mat are equipped with stiffers or studs 130 alongside of said sidewalls, such that the sidewalls retain their thickness even with the vehicle positioned onto and over the device. In some embodiments the stiffers are manufactured from metal or hard plastic and molded or otherwise inserted into the mat alongside the mat's sidewalls at distances substantially equal from each other. With the vehicle placed onto the device, the tires of the vehicle depress the inner area of the upper surface of the mat; thus, forming a tray-like receptacle capable of collecting liquids and dry particles falling of the vehicle. In some exemplary embodiments a tap 140 may be attached to the device, usually, but not necessarily, at the lowest point of the parking area; thus, allowing the liquids to be drained out of the device.

We now are referring to FIG. 2 showing an isometric view of the present invention. As we already explained, the portable device for capturing liquids and other particles dripping or otherwise falling is preferably formed of a rubber-like flexible and elastic material and includes a rectangular, unitary, and monolithic mat 200 for catching the drippings. In some exemplary embodiments the mat is manufactured from rubber-like materials with around 50 mm back- and 35 mm normal flexing, and comprising a raised front edge, as well as left, right and rear sidewalls and upper and bottom surfaces. In some exemplary embodiments said bottom surface has a rough finish to ensure a sufficient traction with the parking surface, such that the device remains stationary positioned while the vehicle is being driven over it. In some exemplary embodiments said upper surface is smooth for allowing a quick and efficient cleanup.

Further referring to FIG. 2, the parking chocks assembly inserts 210 may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials. In some exemplary embodiments the rounded inserts are manufactured from hard plastic, aluminum, hardwood or the like. In some embodiments said inserts are placed into pocket 220. In some exemplary embodiments, said pocket is formed as continuation of the mat while in other embodiments it is attached to the raised front edge by mechanical means.

Stiffers 230 are molded or otherwise inserted into the left, right and rear sidewalls 250, such that said sidewalls retain their thicknesses even with the vehicle placed onto the device. With the vehicle placed onto the device, the tires of the vehicle depress the inner area of the upper surface of the mat 200; thus, forming a tray-like receptacle capable of collecting liquids and dry particles falling of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 depicts vehicle 300 positioned over device 310. The rounded inserts 320 are placed into pocket 330 and prevent the vehicle from rolling off of the device while precluding the drippings from escaping. The tires of the vehicle depress the inner area of the upper surface of the mat; thus, forming a tray-like receptacle capable of collecting liquids and dry particles falling of the vehicle. The left, right and rear sidewalls of the devices preserves their original thickness due to stiffers (not shown) molded or otherwise inserted into the sidewalls.

It should be appreciated from the forgoing that the invention described herein offers a flexible and portable device for capturing liquids and other particles dripping or otherwise falling off of a stationary vehicle and preventing the liquids and particles from overflowing or escaping onto parking surfaces. By placing this device under the vehicle, the device serves a purpose of collecting the liquids and particles that are melting, dripping, or otherwise falling off of the vehicle; thus, allowing proper disposal of the liquids and particles and avoiding damages to the parking surfaces, surrounding areas and structures.

The description of the present embodiment has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Herein above, or in the following claims, the term “comprises” is synonymous with “includes.” The use of terminology such as “X comprises A, B and C” is not intended to imply that A, B and C are necessarily the only components or most important components of X.

Unless clearly and explicitly stated, the claims that follow are not intended to imply any particular sequence of actions. The inclusion of labels, such as a), b), c) etc., for portions of the claims does not, by itself, imply any particular sequence, but rather is merely to facilitate reference to the portions.

To reiterate, the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. Various other embodiments having various modifications may be suited to a particular use contemplated, but may be within the scope of the present invention. 

We claim:
 1. A portable device for capturing liquids and other particles dripping or otherwise falling off of a vehicle and preventing said liquids and particles from overflowing and escaping onto parking surfaces comprising: a rubber-like flexible and elastic monolithic mat further comprising an upper surface, a bottom surface, a raised front edge, and left, right and rear sidewalls; said raised front edge wherein a plurality of rounded inserts form a parking chocks assembly; said left, right and rear sidewalls having a plurality of stiffers installed alongside of said sidewalls at substantially equal intervals; and a tap means for draining accumulated liquids off of said mat, wherein said tap means is attached to said left, right or rear sidewalls.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bottom surface having rough finish to ensure sufficient traction with parking surfaces such that the device remains stationary positioned while the vehicle is being driven over it.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said upper surface having smooth finish for allowing efficient cleanup.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said rounded inserts having dimensions between 18 and 20 inches long, between 10 and 12 inches wide, and between 1 and 1.5 inches tall.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said mat having dimensions between 190 and 275 inches long, between 78 to 157 inches wide, and between 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said mat having 50 mm back flexing and 35 mm normal flexing. 